Bicycle ergometer test to obtain adequate skin temperature when measuring nerve conduction velocity

Abstract

Objective: To achieve optimal diagnostic accuracy, measurements of nerve conduction velocity require standardised tissue temperatures. To warm an extremity to a desired temperature that remains constant during the measurement may be difficult, especially in subjects with low finger temperatures. The aim of this study was to investigate if a submaximal bicycle ergometer test before the examination would be a useful method of obtaining high and stable finger temperatures during nerve conduction studies in the hand.

Methods: 114 women aged 25-65 (median 44) performed a bicycle ergometer test on an electrically braked bicycle ergometer (Siemens-Elema) before they underwent a nerve conduction test.

Results: Before cycling, the mean finger temperature was 28.1 degrees C (range 20.5-35.4 degrees C) and 15 min after the test 35.1 degrees C (range 30.3-36.9 degrees C). The levels remained almost constant throughout the nerve conduction examination, which had a duration of approximately 25 min.

Conclusions: A bicycle ergometer test proved to be a simple and effective method of raising hand temperature.